APM PMQ Project Management Masterclass
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Intermediate
Members Only
Intermediate
Video/Text
APM
88 Lessons
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Introduction
3 Lessons
This opening section is your chance to settle in and get a clear picture of what lies ahead. You’ll see how the PMQ syllabus fits together, what the exam expects from you, and how this Masterclass guides you through everything step by step. The aim here is to remove any early uncertainty so you can start with confidence. You’ll understand how the course is structured, how to use the materials, and how each topic builds your capability as a project professional. By the end of this section, you’ll feel grounded, supported, and ready to begin your PMQ journey with clarity and purpose.
In this first module, you’ll get a clear sense of what the APM PMQ is all about and how it fits into your development as a project professional. You’ll explore what the exam assesses, how the syllabus is organised, and why the PMQ focuses so much on applying principles rather than memorising theory. You’ll also see how the different topics connect and how this Masterclass helps you navigate them without feeling overwhelmed. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to approach your study with confidence.
Here, you’ll learn how to get the most from the Masterclass and set yourself up for success. You’ll see how the videos, notes, and examples work together, and how to pace your study in a way that feels manageable and productive. You’ll also pick up practical tips on how to approach PMQ questions, avoid common pitfalls, and build strong exam technique as you progress. This module is all about giving you a clear roadmap so you always know what to do next and how to keep moving forward with confidence.
Module 1 — Linear Lifecycle Phases Here, you’ll explore the classic linear (or “waterfall”) lifecycle and see how it provides structure, predictability, and clear handovers. You’ll look at each phase — concept, definition, deployment, and transition — and understand how they build on one another. You’ll also see where this approach works well and where it can create challenges, especially when requirements evolve. By the end, you’ll be able to explain the strengths and limitations of linear delivery and recognise when it’s the right choice for a project.
In this module, you’ll look beyond the delivery phase and explore the full extended lifecycle, including operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. You’ll see how thinking beyond the project’s end point helps you make better decisions about benefits, sustainability, and long‑term value. This wider perspective is essential for PMQ, because it shows that projects don’t exist in isolation — they sit within a bigger organisational and product context. You’ll finish with a clearer view of how your project contributes to the whole lifecycle of a product or service.
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Iterative & Incremental Lifecycles (Part One) Here, you’ll explore the principles behind iterative and incremental delivery. You’ll see how breaking work into cycles helps you manage uncertainty, gather feedback early, and adapt as you go. You’ll understand why this approach is so effective when requirements are evolving or when early learning is essential. This module gives you the foundation for understanding agile‑influenced lifecycles and how they differ from traditional linear approaches.
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Iterative & Incremental Lifecycles (Part Two) Building on Part One, you’ll look at how iterative and incremental delivery affects planning, risk, governance, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll see how each cycle creates opportunities to refine the solution and reduce uncertainty. You’ll also explore the practical implications — shorter planning horizons, more frequent reviews, and a stronger focus on collaboration. By the end, you’ll be able to explain how this lifecycle works in practice and when it’s the most effective choice.
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Hybrid Lifecycles In this module, you’ll explore hybrid lifecycles — a blend of linear and iterative approaches. You’ll see how combining the strengths of both models can help you manage complex projects where some elements are well‑defined and others are uncertain. You’ll learn how to structure a hybrid approach, how to justify it, and how it affects planning and governance. This module helps you recognise that real‑world projects rarely fit neatly into one model, and that flexibility is often the key to success.
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Governance Arrangements: In this module, you’ll look at what governance really means in a project context. You’ll explore how governance sets expectations, defines authority levels, and creates the framework for oversight and control. You’ll see how good governance helps you manage uncertainty, maintain alignment with organisational strategy, and ensure that decisions are made objectively. By the end, you’ll be able to explain why governance is essential and how it shapes the way a project is run from start to finish.
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Organisation Structures: Here, you’ll explore the different organisational structures that influence how projects operate. You’ll look at functional, matrix, and project‑based structures, and understand how each one affects communication, authority, and resource allocation. You’ll also see how these structures impact your role as a project manager and the level of autonomy you have. By the end, you’ll be able to recognise the strengths and challenges of each structure and adapt your approach accordingly.
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Project Roles (Part One): In this module, you’ll explore the key roles that support a project and how they work together. You’ll look at the responsibilities of the project manager, sponsor, team members, and other stakeholders. You’ll see how clarity of roles reduces conflict, speeds up decision‑making, and strengthens accountability. This module helps you understand who does what — and why that matters for project success.
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Project Roles (Part Two): Building on Part One, you’ll look at more specialised roles such as team managers, subject matter experts, and assurance providers. You’ll explore how these roles contribute to quality, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll also see how role definitions change depending on the lifecycle and organisational structure. By the end, you’ll have a complete picture of the people involved in delivering a project and how they interact.
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Required Aspects of Governance: Here, you’ll explore the essential elements that make governance effective. You’ll look at decision‑making frameworks, escalation routes, tolerances, and reporting mechanisms. You’ll see how these elements work together to create transparency and control. This module helps you understand how governance supports assurance, risk management, and change control — and how you can apply these principles to strengthen your own project environment.
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Steering Groups & Governance Boards: In this module, you’ll explore the role of steering groups and governance boards in providing oversight and strategic direction. You’ll see how these bodies support the project manager, approve key decisions, and ensure alignment with organisational goals. You’ll also look at how to prepare for board meetings, how to present information effectively, and how to use governance forums to resolve issues. By the end, you’ll feel confident in how governance boards operate and how to work with them successfully.
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Sustainability (Part One): In this module, you’ll explore the foundations of sustainability and why it matters in project management. You’ll look at the three pillars — environmental, social, and economic — and see how they influence project decisions. You’ll also explore how sustainability links to organisational strategy and long‑term value. By the end, you’ll understand the core principles that underpin sustainable project delivery.
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Sustainability (Part Two): Here, you’ll look at how sustainability affects project planning and design. You’ll explore how to identify sustainability requirements, assess impacts, and incorporate sustainable practices into your approach. You’ll also see how early decisions can influence long‑term outcomes. This module helps you recognise opportunities to improve sustainability throughout the project lifecycle.
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Sustainability (Part Three): In this module, you’ll explore how sustainability influences procurement, supply chains, and resource choices. You’ll look at how to evaluate suppliers, materials, and delivery methods through a sustainability lens. You’ll also see how to balance cost, quality, and environmental impact. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in making responsible, informed decisions.
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Sustainability (Part Four): Here, you’ll explore how sustainability is monitored, measured, and reported. You’ll look at key performance indicators, benefits realisation, and long‑term impact assessment. You’ll also see how sustainability links to governance and assurance. This module helps you understand how to demonstrate value and ensure that sustainability commitments are delivered in practice.
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Business Case (Part One): In this module, you’ll explore the purpose of the business case and why it’s essential for project approval and ongoing decision‑making. You’ll look at how it aligns the project with organisational strategy and provides a clear rationale for investment. You’ll also see how the business case supports governance and benefits realisation. By the end, you’ll understand the core components that make a business case effective.
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Business Case (Part Two): Here, you’ll explore how to identify and evaluate project options. You’ll look at how to assess feasibility, costs, risks, and benefits, and how to compare different approaches. You’ll also see how to justify your recommendations clearly and objectively. This module helps you build the analytical skills needed to create a robust and defensible business case.
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Business Case (Part Three): In this module, you’ll explore how the business case evolves throughout the project lifecycle. You’ll look at how to update assumptions, refine estimates, and respond to changes. You’ll also see how the business case supports stage‑gate decisions and ongoing governance. By the end, you’ll understand how to keep the business case relevant and accurate.
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Business Case (Part Four): Here, you’ll explore how to communicate the business case effectively to stakeholders and decision‑makers. You’ll look at how to present information clearly, address concerns, and build confidence in your recommendations. You’ll also see how the business case links to benefits management and long‑term value. This module helps you bring everything together into a compelling, credible narrative.
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Procurement: In this topic, you’ll explore how to bring external suppliers into a project in a way that supports quality, value, and delivery certainty. You’ll look at procurement strategy, supplier selection, contract types, and negotiation techniques. You’ll see how procurement decisions influence risk, cost, and relationships throughout the project. By the end, you’ll understand how to choose the right suppliers, set clear expectations, and manage commercial arrangements with confidence.
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Supplier Selection Process: In this module, you’ll explore how to evaluate and select suppliers in a fair, transparent, and structured way. You’ll look at pre‑qualification, tendering, evaluation criteria, and decision‑making methods. You’ll also see how to balance cost, capability, and risk when choosing a supplier. By the end, you’ll feel confident in running a selection process that stands up to scrutiny and supports project success.
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Supplier Reimbursement & Contract Types (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the different ways suppliers can be paid and how each approach affects risk and behaviour. You’ll look at fixed‑price, cost‑reimbursable, and target‑cost contracts, and see how they influence incentives and control. This module helps you understand how to choose the right contract type for your project’s level of certainty.
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Supplier Reimbursement & Contract Types (Part Two): Building on Part One, you’ll explore how contract terms shape performance, collaboration, and risk sharing. You’ll look at how to structure payment mechanisms, manage variations, and protect the project from cost escalation. By the end, you’ll understand how to use contracts as a tool for alignment and accountability.
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Plan & Conduct Negotiations (Part One): In this module, you’ll explore the foundations of effective negotiation. You’ll look at preparation techniques, objectives, and how to build a negotiation strategy. You’ll also see how to create value while protecting the project’s interests. This module gives you the confidence to enter negotiations with clarity and purpose.
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Plan & Conduct Negotiations (Part Two): Here, you’ll explore negotiation in practice. You’ll look at communication techniques, handling objections, and reaching agreements that work for both sides. You’ll also see how to maintain relationships while securing the outcomes your project needs. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in managing commercial discussions professionally and effectively.
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Reviews (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the purpose of project reviews and why they’re essential for maintaining control. You’ll look at how reviews support decision‑making, identify risks, and confirm that the project remains viable. You’ll also see how reviews link to governance and assurance. By the end, you’ll understand the value of regular, structured checkpoints.
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Reviews (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore the different types of reviews — including peer reviews, gateway reviews, and post‑project evaluations. You’ll see how each one serves a different purpose and how to choose the right review for the situation. You’ll also look at how to prepare for reviews and use the findings to improve performance.
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Reviews (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore how to run reviews effectively. You’ll look at how to gather evidence, engage stakeholders, and present findings clearly. You’ll also see how to turn review outcomes into practical actions. By the end, you’ll feel confident in using reviews as a tool for continuous improvement.
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Assurance (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the purpose of assurance and how it differs from reviews and audits. You’ll look at how assurance provides confidence to stakeholders and supports decision‑making. You’ll also see how assurance activities are planned and prioritised. By the end, you’ll understand the foundations of effective assurance.
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Assurance (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how assurance works in practice. You’ll look at evidence gathering, independence, and how assurance findings feed back into governance and risk management. You’ll also see how assurance helps you identify weaknesses early and strengthen project controls. This module helps you understand how assurance contributes to project success.
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Transition Management (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the purpose of transition management and why it’s essential for project success. You’ll look at how to prepare the receiving organisation, manage expectations, and plan for a smooth handover. You’ll also see how transition links to benefits realisation and long‑term value.
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Transition Management (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore the practical steps involved in transition. You’ll look at training, documentation, support arrangements, and how to manage the change from project mode to business‑as‑usual. You’ll also see how to monitor adoption and address issues early. By the end, you’ll feel confident in planning and delivering a successful transition.
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Benefits Management (Part One): Here, you’ll explore what benefits are and why they matter. You’ll look at how to identify, define, and categorise benefits, and how they link to organisational strategy. You’ll also see how benefits shape the business case and influence project decisions.
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Benefits Management (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to plan for benefits realisation. You’ll look at benefit profiles, measurement methods, and how to assign ownership. You’ll also see how to build a benefits realisation plan that supports long‑term value.
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Benefits Management (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore how benefits are monitored, reviewed, and reported. You’ll look at how to track progress, manage risks to benefits, and ensure that value is delivered after the project closes. By the end, you’ll understand how to keep benefits at the centre of project decision‑making.
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Stakeholder Engagement (Part One): Here, you’ll explore how to identify stakeholders and understand what they need from the project. You’ll look at tools like stakeholder analysis and mapping, and see how they help you prioritise your engagement efforts. You’ll also explore how different stakeholders influence decisions, risks, and outcomes. By the end, you’ll know how to build a clear picture of who’s involved and how to work with them effectively.
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Stakeholder Engagement (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to plan and deliver effective communication. You’ll look at how to tailor messages, choose communication methods, and maintain engagement throughout the project. You’ll also see how to handle difficult conversations and manage conflicting expectations. This module helps you communicate with confidence and clarity.
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Conflict Resolution (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the common causes of conflict and how to spot early warning signs. You’ll look at how misunderstandings, unclear roles, and competing priorities can create tension. You’ll also see how your own communication style influences conflict. By the end, you’ll understand how to approach conflict with awareness and confidence.
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Conflict Resolution (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore practical techniques for resolving conflict. You’ll look at active listening, reframing, negotiation, and finding common ground. You’ll also see how to stay calm under pressure and guide conversations towards positive outcomes. This module gives you the tools to handle difficult situations with professionalism and empathy.
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Leadership (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the foundations of leadership and how it differs from management. You’ll look at how leaders set direction, inspire confidence, and create a sense of purpose. You’ll also explore how your own behaviour influences the team. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of what effective leadership looks like in practice.
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Leadership (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore different leadership styles and when to use them. You’ll look at directive, supportive, participative, and achievement‑oriented approaches, and see how each one affects team dynamics. You’ll also explore how to adapt your style to the needs of the situation. This module helps you lead with flexibility and confidence.
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Leadership (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore how to motivate individuals and teams. You’ll look at intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how to create an environment where people feel valued and engaged. You’ll also see how recognition, autonomy, and clear goals contribute to performance. By the end, you’ll understand how to bring out the best in your team.
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Leadership (Part Four): In this module, you’ll explore how emotional intelligence supports effective leadership. You’ll look at self‑awareness, empathy, and managing your own reactions under pressure. You’ll also see how emotional intelligence helps you build trust and strengthen relationships. This module helps you lead with authenticity and emotional clarity.
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Leadership (Part Five): Here, you’ll explore how leadership evolves throughout the project lifecycle. You’ll look at how your focus shifts from vision and alignment early on, to coordination and problem‑solving during delivery, and finally to closure and reflection. You’ll also see how to support your team through uncertainty and change. By the end, you’ll understand how to lead with consistency from start to finish.
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Team Management (Part One): Here, you’ll explore how teams form and develop over time. You’ll look at models like Tuckman’s stages and see how they help you understand team behaviour. You’ll also explore how to support a team as it moves from forming to performing. By the end, you’ll know how to guide a team through its early stages with confidence.
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Team Management (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to create a positive team environment. You’ll look at trust, psychological safety, and how to encourage open communication. You’ll also see how to address issues early and maintain a healthy team dynamic. This module helps you build a team culture that supports collaboration and performance.
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Team Management (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore how to manage performance effectively. You’ll look at setting expectations, giving feedback, and supporting development. You’ll also see how to handle underperformance in a constructive way. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in guiding individuals towards success.
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Team Management (Part Four): In this module, you’ll explore how to manage team communication. You’ll look at how to keep everyone aligned, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure that information flows smoothly. You’ll also see how to adapt your communication style to different personalities and situations.
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Team Management (Part Five): Here, you’ll explore how to manage workload and capacity within the team. You’ll look at balancing responsibilities, avoiding burnout, and supporting individuals during busy periods. You’ll also see how to plan work in a way that feels achievable and fair.
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Team Management (Part Six): In this module, you’ll explore how to maintain team cohesion during change and uncertainty. You’ll look at how to support people through transitions, keep morale high, and maintain focus when challenges arise. By the end, you’ll understand how to keep your team steady and motivated.
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Diversity & Inclusion: Here, you’ll explore the principles of diversity and inclusion and how they apply to project teams. You’ll look at unconscious bias, inclusive behaviours, and how to create a culture where people feel valued. You’ll also see how diversity strengthens collaboration and innovation. This module helps you build teams that reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
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Ethics, Compliance & Professionalism (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the foundations of ethical behaviour in project management. You’ll look at honesty, accountability, and how to make decisions that reflect your values. You’ll also see how ethical behaviour builds trust and credibility. By the end, you’ll understand how to apply ethical principles in your day‑to‑day work.
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Ethics, Compliance & Professionalism (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how compliance and governance support ethical practice. You’ll look at policies, regulations, and how to ensure that your project meets legal and organisational requirements. You’ll also see how to handle ethical dilemmas and maintain professionalism under pressure. This module helps you act with integrity in complex situations.
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Requirements Management (Part One): Here, you’ll explore what requirements are and why they matter. You’ll look at how to gather information from stakeholders, ask the right questions, and turn vague ideas into clear, actionable statements. You’ll also see how good requirements reduce rework and strengthen the business case. By the end, you’ll understand how to build a solid foundation for your project.
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Requirements Management (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to analyse, prioritise, and manage requirements throughout the project. You’ll look at traceability, change control, and how to keep requirements aligned with project objectives. You’ll also see how to handle conflicting needs and maintain clarity as the project evolves. This module helps you stay in control as requirements change.
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Solutions Development (Part One): Here, you’ll explore how to generate solution options and evaluate them against requirements. You’ll look at feasibility, constraints, and how to balance cost, quality, and risk. You’ll also see how early design decisions influence the entire project. This module helps you approach solution development with clarity and structure.
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Solutions Development (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to refine and validate solution options. You’ll look at modelling, prototyping, and how to gather feedback early. You’ll also see how to involve stakeholders in shaping the solution. By the end, you’ll understand how to move from concept to a well‑defined design.
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Solutions Development (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore how to assess the impacts of different solution choices. You’ll look at cost, risk, sustainability, and operational implications. You’ll also see how to justify your recommendations clearly. This module helps you make informed, balanced decisions.
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Solutions Development (Part Four): In this module, you’ll explore how the chosen solution is documented and handed over to delivery teams. You’ll look at specifications, acceptance criteria, and how to maintain clarity as the project moves forward. By the end, you’ll understand how to ensure the solution is ready for implementation.
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Quality Management (Part One): Here, you’ll explore what quality means in a project context and how to define it clearly. You’ll look at quality criteria, standards, and how to plan quality activities. You’ll also see how quality links to risk, cost, and stakeholder expectations.
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Quality Management (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to monitor and control quality during delivery. You’ll look at inspections, testing, and how to handle non‑conformities. You’ll also see how quality assurance provides confidence that processes are being followed. This module helps you maintain quality throughout the project.
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Integrated Planning: Here, you’ll explore how to create a plan that aligns all aspects of the project. You’ll look at dependencies, constraints, and how to balance competing demands. You’ll also see how integrated planning supports decision‑making and control. This module gives you the foundation for effective project planning.
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Schedule Management (Part One): Here, you’ll explore how to define activities and sequence them logically. You’ll look at dependencies, constraints, and how to build a clear structure for your schedule.
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Schedule Management (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore estimating techniques and how to build realistic activity durations. You’ll also see how uncertainty affects estimates and how to manage it.
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Schedule Management (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore critical path analysis and how to identify the activities that drive your project’s duration. You’ll also see how to use float to manage flexibility.
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Schedule Management (Part Four): In this module, you’ll explore how to develop a baseline schedule and use it to track progress. You’ll look at reporting, forecasting, and how to identify slippage early.
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Schedule Management (Part Five): Here, you’ll explore how to manage schedule risks and respond to delays. You’ll look at mitigation strategies and how to keep the project on track.
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Schedule Management (Part Six): In this module, you’ll explore how to communicate schedule information clearly to stakeholders. You’ll look at visualisation techniques and how to present progress with confidence.
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Resource Management (Part One): Here, you’ll explore how to identify resource needs and plan for them. You’ll look at skills, availability, and how to build a realistic resource profile.
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Resource Management (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to allocate resources effectively. You’ll look at balancing workloads, avoiding bottlenecks, and managing competing demands.
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Resource Management (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore how to monitor resource usage and adjust plans as the project evolves. You’ll also see how to handle shortages and conflicts.
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Resource Management (Part Four): In this module, you’ll explore how to optimise resource performance. You’ll look at motivation, support, and how to maintain productivity throughout the project.
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Budgeting & Cost Control (Part One): Here, you’ll explore how to build a cost estimate and understand the factors that influence cost. You’ll look at estimating techniques and how to structure your budget.
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Budgeting & Cost Control (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to develop a cost baseline and use it to track spending. You’ll look at cost categories, phasing, and how to maintain control.
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Budgeting & Cost Control (Part Three): Here, you’ll explore how to monitor actual costs and compare them with your baseline. You’ll also see how to identify variances early.
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Budgeting & Cost Control (Part Four): In this module, you’ll explore forecasting techniques and how to predict final costs with confidence. You’ll look at trends, performance data, and how to update forecasts.
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Budgeting & Cost Control (Part Five): Here, you’ll explore how to manage cost risks and respond to financial pressures. You’ll look at contingency, reserves, and how to protect your budget.
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Budgeting & Cost Control (Part Six): In this module, you’ll explore how to communicate cost information clearly to stakeholders. You’ll look at reporting, dashboards, and how to present financial performance with confidence.
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Risk Planning & Tools (Part One): Here, you’ll explore how to plan your approach to risk management. You’ll look at roles, responsibilities, and how to structure your risk process.
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Risk Planning & Tools (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore tools and techniques for identifying and analysing risks. You’ll look at probability, impact, and how to prioritise risks effectively.
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Risk Responses: Here, you’ll explore how to choose and implement appropriate risk responses. You’ll look at avoidance, reduction, transfer, and acceptance, and how each one supports delivery.
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Issue Management & Governance (Part One): In this module, you’ll explore how to identify and manage issues as they arise. You’ll look at escalation routes, decision‑making, and how to maintain control.
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Issue Management & Governance (Part Two): Here, you’ll explore how to track, monitor, and resolve issues effectively. You’ll also see how issue management links to governance and reporting.
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Change Control (Part One): Here, you’ll explore the purpose of change control and how to manage change requests. You’ll look at documentation, analysis, and how to maintain clarity.
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Change Control (Part Two): In this module, you’ll explore how to assess impacts on scope, schedule, cost, and risk. You’ll also see how to communicate decisions and maintain control throughout delivery.
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Dave spent 25+ years as a senior project manager for UK and USA multinationals and has deep experience in project management. He now develops a wide range of Project Management Masterclasses, under the Projex Academy brand name. In addition, David runs project management training seminars across the world, and is a prolific writer on the many topics of project management.
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